Group Programs
The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.
The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.
Hours of Operation
- The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976
The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
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- The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.
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Fees & Rates
- Program Fees
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- All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Tot Time
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play
group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather
permitting. Click
here to register!
Registration: Required
Beginner Stargazing
Sunday, December 29, 2024 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join us for stargazing at the Gericke Farm: 2876 Arthur
Kill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10309. Learn about different constellations,
the stories behind them, and view them through our telescope! All ages. Click
here to register.
Registration: Required
Tot Time
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play
group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather
permitting. Click
here to register!
Registration: Required
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
This is a two-mile hike at Clay Pit Ponds. Please wear sneakers or hiking boots and bring layers! As you hike, your body will warm up and you may want to shed your outer layers. Note that this hike is not stroller friendly. Meet-up Location: Clay Pit Ponds Nature Interpretive Center, Approximate distance of hike: 2 miles, No pets. Click
here to register.
Registration: Required